Samsung SGH E340 review
Network and connections
Samsung SGH-E340 falls into the category of Tri-Band GSM phones: this means that it is capable of receiving and making phone calls on three different frequencies (900, 1800 and 1900 Mhz) and of ensuring wide network coverage. The phone features 2.5G data connectivity, namely EDGE and GPRS. It is also equipped with Bluetooth technology, which allows it to interface wirelessly with other compatible cell phones or peripherals. To connect to a computer, a wired USB connection is also available. Samsung SGH-E340 boasts a main, internal TFT matrix display with 262,000 colors measuring 128 x 160 pixels. It also offers a secondary monochrome screen of 96 x 94 pixels with OLED matrix. The battery used is a lithium-ion type at 800 mAh.
Design and features
Samsung SGH-E340 is a cell phone with a clamshell opening. This type of structure increases the device's resistance to impacts and protects the main screen from accidental scratches and dents. The design is compact, characterized by soft lines and rounded corners. The antenna is built-in and the dimensions are small: the phone measures 86 millimeters in length, 45 millimeters in width and 24 millimeters in thickness. Samsung SGH-E340 also weighs 78 grams. The keypad proves comfortable and simple to use. Memory is 9 MB and, unfortunately, cannot be expanded.
Main features
During each call it is possible to activate the speakerphone function, usable thanks to the handy built-in speaker, which allows for "hands-free" communication. It is also possible to make multi-conference calls, that is, with multiple users connected to each other at the same time. The phone also features voice Memo and voice Dial. As for messaging, Samsung SGH-E340 supports many of the current standards: it is in fact capable of receiving and sending SMS, EMS and MMS, all easily composed thanks to the dedicated T9 intuitive writing software, but it does not allow e-mail management.
Entertainment and multimedia
In terms of customization, Samsung SGH-E340 offers its users polyphonic ringtones, screensavers and Java games (J2ME), with the ability to download new content through the WAP browser. Although it is not equipped with a radio, Samsung SGH-E340 can turn into a multimedia player: it is in fact capable of playing music in MP3 and aac format, as well as video files in mpeg4 format. Samsung SGH-E340 also makes use of a built-in camera of poor quality. It is a VGA type and offers a maximum image resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. The device does not have a self-timer function, nor a flash, but it does have a decent digital zoom. Finally, it is possible to record short video sequences.